Hogsett apologizes to victims of former top aide; announces changes to how city handles sexual harassment

INDIANAPOLIS — Mayor Joe Hogsett publicly apologized Monday night to several women who accused his former chief of staff and campaign manager of sexual harassment and said their allegations weren’t taken seriously when they initially reported them.

Caroline Ellert, a former city employee, and Lauren Roberts, who worked on the Hogsett campaign, say their former boss, Thomas Cook, used his authority to coerce them into romantic relationships.

Investigations by The Indianapolis Star and Mirror Indy uncovered that Cook’s behavior was known to Mayor Hogsett for years.

Following the publishing of the Star and Mirror reports, the Hogsett administration acknowledged Cook was disciplined on three occasions over a seven-year span.

In each instance, an investigation found Cook had “inappropriate romantic conduct” with subordinate co-workers. He was disciplined but allowed to remain in his position until October 2023.

“His conduct was a betrayal of the trust placed in him as a public official, betrayal of my trust, and most importantly, a violation of the cities responsibility to ensure safety and well-being for all employees,” Hogsett said during Monday’s City-County Council meeting.

Both Ellert and Roberts attended the meeting after bringing their concerns about the city’s sexual harassment reporting mechanisms to the council.

Hogsett said he was sorry for the harm that was caused to both women as well as a third victim who has chose to remain anonymous.

“No one could possibly understand the pain that you have been enduring,” Hogsett said. “But know that your decision to speak out for changes to better protect the women and men of this city has not been in vain” 

Hogsett announced that the city will have its sexual harassment policies review by a national firm and one that has not ties to the city. He also said that all city employees will have to undergo extensive sexual harassment training that has historically only been required of supervisors.

The mayor said the city will also roll out a new, anonymous reporting mechanism in the near future.

During his entire speech, Robert held up a sign that read “2017 Investigation? Prove it.” That is a reference to an investigation the city claims it did into her allegations. However, Roberts has said she was never interviewed as part of that investigation.

Despite his apologies, the city-county council moved forward with two proposals to modify the city’s sexual harassment policies and to form a committee that will look into the allegations and Hogsett’s role in the situation.

Hogsett ignored questions about the calls for him to resign has he was hounded by protestors and TV cameras as he left the meeting.

The council’s Republican minority leader said resignation should be an option.

“I think, pending and investigation and finding out what he knew and when he knew and why he didn’t take a corrective action, yes, absolutely should be an option,” Brian Mowery said.

Both Ellert and Roberts declined to comment on Hogsett’s apology or proposed changes.